Press-connecting terminal and connector using same

Abstract

A press-connecting terminal is formed from an electrically-conductive metal sheet, and includes a wire connection portion at one end portion thereof, and an electrical connection portion at the other end portion thereof for connection to a mating terminal. The wire connection portion includes a press-connecting blade defining a slot into which a covered wire is adapted to be press-fitted, and an insulation barrel for fixing the covered wire in the slot. An opening for receiving part of the covered wire is formed in that region of a bottom plate portion of the wire connection portion where the covered wire is pressed by the insulation barrel. With this construction, the ability of retaining the wire is enhanced, and the material cost for the metal sheet can be reduced. There is also disclosed a connector to which this press-connecting terminal is attached.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A press-connecting terminal, comprising: a wire connection portion disposed at one end of said terminal, said wire connection portion including a press-connecting blade defining a slot into which a covered wire is adapted to be press-fitted, a bottom plate portion, and an insulation barrel for fixing the covered wire in said slot;   an electrical connection portion disposed at the other end of said terminal for allowing connection to a mating terminal; and   an opening, for receiving a part of the covered wire, formed in said bottom plate portion of said wire connection portion opposite said insulation barrel,   wherein said terminal is formed from an electrically-conductive metal sheet.   
     
     
       2. The terminal according to claim 1, wherein said opening has a circumferential edge portion which is partially opened. 
     
     
       3. The terminal according to claim 1, wherein said opening has a circumferential edge portion which is closed. 
     
     
       4. A connector system, comprising: a press-connecting terminal, having a wire connection portion disposed at one end of said terminal, said wire connection portion including a press-connecting blade defining a slot into which a covered wire is adapted to be press-fitted, a bottom plate portion, and an insulation barrel for fixing the covered wire in said slot; an electrical connection portion disposed at the other end of said terminal for allowing connection to a mating terminal; and an opening, for receiving part of the covered wire, formed in said bottom plate portion of said wire connection portion opposite said insulation barrel, said terminal being formed from an electrically-conductive metal sheet; and   a connector housing to which said press-connecting terminal is coupled, said housing having a bottom portion having a recess for receiving said part of the covered wire exposed through said opening, said connector housing having a holder portion, disposed at a rear portion of said connector housing, for preventing the covered wire from being lifted off said housing bottom portion.   
     
     
       5. The terminal according to claim 3, further comprising a convex portion, disposed longitudinally adjacent said opening for raising said covered wire. 
     
     
       6. The terminal according to claim 5, wherein said opening is formed from binding said bottom plate portion of said wire connection portion, thereby forming said convex portion and said press-connecting blade. 
     
     
       7. The connector system according to claim 4, wherein said housing further includes a convex portion, disposed longitudinally adjacent said opening for raising said covered wire. 
     
     
       8. The connector system according to claim 7, wherein said opening is formed from binding said bottom plate portion of said wire connection portion, thereby forming said convex portion and said press-connecting blade.